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The Cowboys will be without RB Lance Dunbar (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

IRVING (105.3 THE FAN) – The Cowboys offense found a spark on Thanksgiving Day with the performance of running back Lance Dunbar. Now, the team is already looking for another.

Jerry Jones announced on Tuesday that the team will work out seven running backs in search of a replacement for Dunbar, who sustained a season-ending knee injury that will require surgery.

“Finding that running back that can contribute if needed but can be a special team’s player — those aren’t on the street,” said Jones on 105.3 The Fan’s New School. “We’ll have a challenge to even approach what we lost in Dunbar.”

Jones says the team will also look at a few guys who have the ability to play fullback.

Dunbar carried the ball 12 times for 82 yards, including a 45-yard run that set up a touchdown against Oakland. He also had one reception for 12 yards.

Lead back DeMarco Murray, who has averaged nearly 19 touches over the past three games, might be asked to carry an even heavier load in the final month. That is, unless the team can find a suitable alternative.

Fifth-round rookie Joseph Randle would be the natural replacement for Dunbar, but the Oklahoma State graduate has carried the ball just once in the team’s past four games. The other current option, Phillip Tanner, has carried the ball just 9 times for 12 yards in 2013.

“Dunbar has some aspects to him that can light up and inspire an offense like he did the other day….he’s a real loss for us.”